† ˈharman Thieves' Cant. Obs.
[Origin of first syllable uncertain, ? from hardman; -man(s as in crackmans, darkmans, etc.]
1. pl. harmans, the stocks.
| 1567 Harman Caveat (1869) 84 The harmans, the stockes. Ibid. 86 So may we happen on the Harmanes.., So we maye chaunce to set in the stockes. 1609 Dekker Lanthorne & Candle-lt. C iij b, To put our stamps in the Harmans. |
2. Short for harman beck: A constable.
| 1725 New Cant. Dict., Harman, a Constable. a 1791 Grose Olio (1796) 231 When I leave Nan in the vile Harman's hands. 1829 Lytton Disowned 8 The worst have an awe of the harman's claw. |
Hence † ˈharman-beck [beck, beak n.3], a constable; the parish-constable or beadle.
| 1567 Harman Caveat (1869) 84 The harman beck, the Counstable. 1609 Dekker Lanthorne & Candle-lt. C iij b, The Ruffin cly the nab of the Harman beck. 1641 Brome Joviall Crew ii. Wks. 1873 III. 388 Let's..bowse in defiance o' th' Harman-Beck. 1822 Scott Nigel xxxv, I am not the lad to betray any one to the harman-beck. |